2012 summary: After a 3-1 start, injuries and suspensions took a physical and mental toll on the Deacons. Injuries on the offensive line were especially disruptive and led Wake Forest to one of its worst offensive seasons in recent years. The Deacons ranked 12th out of 13 ACC teams in scoring (18.5) and were 11th in total offense (301.3 yards per game). After six players were suspended for the sixth game against Maryland, Wake went into a tailspin, losing five of its last seven games. One bright spot for Wake was the play of junior flanker Michael Campanaro, who led the ACC with 7.9 receptions per game - the second-highest average in league history.

2013 returning starters: 8 on offense, 8 on defense, 3 specialists.

Offense

The key to any rebound by Wake's offense will the be shape of its blocking corps. Injuries decimated the line a year ago and have continued to hinder the development this preseason. Potential starters Steven Chase at tackle and Antonio Ford at guard saw limited action during camp as they continue recovering from injuries, and last year's starter at right tackle, Colin Summers, will sit out the 2013 season due to a blood disorder. Those situations could impact Coach Jim Grobe 's plan to rely less on the pass and more on the running game this season. If the offensive line can be stabilized, Wake has some quality skill personnel in quarterback Tanner Price, tailback Josh Harris and flanker Michael Campanaro. The Deacons will need some other receivers to step up in support of Campanaro, and Harris needs to remain healthy for a full season. But otherwise, Wake's success this season really depends on the guys up front.

Defense

Wake has the potential to field one of the ACC's top defensive units in 2013. The Deacons have legitimate all-star candidates in nose guard Nikita Whitlock, defensive end Zach Thompson, outside linebacker Justin Jackson, cornerbacks Merrill Noel and Kevin Johnson, and safety A.J. Marshall. The preseason dismissal of senior Duran Lowe has impacted the team's depth at safety, Ryan Janvion emerged during the preseason to help secure that area. The Deacons have also apparently lost a projected starter at outside linebacker in junior Zachary Allen. Allen, who has played in 24 games the last two seasons, was suspended from the team over the summer and consequently failed a course he needed to remain eligible for 2013. Speedy redshirt freshman Kevis Jones stepped up in preseason camp to help replace Allen.

Schedule

Aug. 29 - Presbyterian, 5 p.m.

Sept. 6 - at Boston College, 8 p.m. (ESPN/ESPN2)*

Sept. 14 - La.-Monroe, 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 - at Army, Noon

Sept. 28 - at Clemson*

Oct. 5 - N.C. State*

Oct. 19 - Maryland*

Oct. 26 - at Miami*

Nov. 2 - at Syracuse*

Nov. 9 - Florida State*

Nov. 23 - Duke*

Nov. 30 - at Vanderbilt

Game times and television networks listed where available

* - ACC game

Five Players To Watch

The All-American: Michael Campanaro

Position: Flanker

Class: Senior

About Campanaro: There aren't many players in all of college football who are more fun to watch than Campanaro. He's amazingly versatile as proven by the fact he's scored touchdowns receiving, rushing, passing and returning during his Wake Forest career. Despite missing two games with a hand injury a year ago, Campanaro made 79 catches for 763 yards and six touchdowns. He enters the 2013 season needing just 55 receptions to surpass Desmond Clark as the Deacons all-time leader.

The Comeback Kid: Tanner Price

Position: Quarterback

Class: Senior

About Price: He isn't bouncing back from some injury or other issues. He's simply trying to come back from a rocky 2012 that saw his statistics dropped significantly in almost every category. Price's completion percentage fell from 60 percent to 55.6, his passing yards from 3,017 to 2,299 and his touchdown total from 20 to 12. Coach Jim Grobe plans to throw less and run more this season, so less of the burden for carrying Wake's offense will be on Price this time around. We think that will equate to a big senior season for Price.

Breakout performer: Brandon Chubb

Position: Linebacker

Class: Sophomore

About Chubb: He got his feet wet last season by leading the Deacons in special teams. Known more for his physical style of play, the 6-foot-1, 240-pounder surprised Wake's coaching staff with his mobility this preseason. He stepped up to become a playmaker against the pass and the run, which ultimately earned him a starting job at inside linebacker. Don't be surprised if Chubb winds up being Wake Forest's top tackler this season.

Impact Newcomer: Cory Helms

Position: Center

Class: Freshman

About Helms: True freshmen rarely see the field at Wake Forest under Coach Jim Grobe, especially on the offensive line. But the 6-foot-4, 290-pound Helms quickly adapted to Wake's offense and the physical nature of the college game during preseason practice. By the second week of camp he had moved ahead of senior Whit Barnes on the depth chart at center and is now expected to open the season as the starter. Helms is said to have a "nasty attitude,'' which will serve him well going up against the defensive line talent in the ACC.

Preseason Star: Hunter Goodwin

Position: Offensive tackle

Class: Sophomore

About Goodwin: He was rushed into action late last season after injuries decimated Wake's offensive line. He actually started the season finale against Vanderbilt, but was originally being projected as a reserve for the 2013 season. But the powerful run blocker produced perhaps the best preseason performance of any Deacon lineman. With veteran Steven Chase still recovering from back and knee problems, Goodwin is likely to get the start at right tackle in the season opener.

Sammy Batten's take

If Grobe can find some answers on the offensive line, Wake Forest has an excellent chance to produce its first winning record since 2008. The Deacons believe they have something to prove after faltering down the stretch a year ago and failing to quality for post-season play. With four winnable games to open the year, Wake could be more than halfway to bowl eligibility by mid-September. But can they finish the job against the meat of their schedule in October and November? I think so with seven wins.

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